A new biography sheds light on the life and career of lyricist Don Black.

Book cover for "Wrestling with Elephants."

Entitled "Wrestling with Elephants," the Sanctuary Publishing release was written by James Inverne with Black's assistance and details the rags-to-riches story of the lyricist, who was born in London's East End and eventually became an Oscar and Tony-winning lyricist. The 320-page tome features a foreword by composer John Barry as well as contributions from various celebrities, including Lulu, who collaborated with Black on the theme to the James Bond thriller "The Man with the Golden Gun." Don Black received Tony Awards for Best Score (with composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and co-lyricist Christopher Hampton) and Best Book of a Musical (with Hampton) for his work on Sunset Boulevard. He also penned the lyrics to Tell Me On a Sunday (Song and Dance), Bombay Dreams and Aspects of Love (with Charles Hart). Black won an Oscar for his lyrics to "Born Free" and also received nominations for the lyrics to "True Grit," "Ben," "Wherever Love Takes Me" and "Come to Me." He was awarded the O.B.E. (Officer of the British Empire) in 1999.

"Wrestling with Elephants" is priced at £16.99/$27.95 and is available at various book stores and on-line at www.amazon.com.